Bites: Punters take a chance and eating al fresco

Is it tempting fate to sit outdoors at a restaurant? Given last week's combination of blazing sun followed five minutes later by torrential rain, it might be unwise. But ever since the terrace at London's Scott's became the place to be seen, punters are taking a chance and eating al fresco.

We're hedging our bets with a table on the terrace at Quo Vadis (www.quovadissoho.co.uk), the Soho stalwart wonderfully revamped by the Hart brothers of Fino and Barrafina fame. Under a monochrome awning, diners choose from a fabulous all-day menu or robust sharing plates (such as pork board – more scrumptious than it sounds – and seafood platter). And it would be a shame not to wash it down with the Quo Vadis Aperitivo of fresh clementine and lemon juice, Campari and Cava.

But what about those days when the sun is strong but the wallet is weak? We're partial to the crayfish and smoked-salmon salad from Pret: the tables outside have a certain charm, if you wear shades to avoid the stainless-steel glare...